Compliance with health regimens of adolescents with epilepsy

Interventions to promote medication adherence among children with epilepsy: An integrative review

PROBLEM

Many children with epilepsy face challenges in adhering to their medication, leading to inadequate seizure control. However, the most effective intervention is still unclear. This integrative review's main goal was to examine and synthesize the existing literature on interventions for promoting medication adherence in children with epilepsy.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This integrative review followed Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage framework. Four electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and CINAHL Complete) were systematically searched from 2013 until 2024 to identify eligible studies published in the English language. The key search terms included "Children with epilepsy" AND "medication adherence" AND "intervention." Studies reporting on the implementation and evaluation of medication adherence interventions in children with epilepsy were eligible. Quality assessment and narrative synthesis were subsequently undertaken.

SAMPLE

A total of 17 studies were included in the review.

RESULTS

Five interventions were found, including educational, behavioral, and mixed intervention types, using technology and family involvement. Promoting medication adherence is crucial, but tailored interventions for different age groups and sustained support are needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting medication adherence is of utmost importance to enhance the knowledge of children who have epilepsy and their families, and to increase medication adherence. However, there is still a need to develop interventions that are appropriate for children of different ages and their families, which should be suitable and sustainable during treatment.

IMPLICATIONS

Pediatric nurses should consider socioeconomic factors, ethnicity, family functioning, and parental distress. Strategies include monitoring adherence, continuous communication, and technology support for children with epilepsy during treatment.

Treatment access barriers and medication adherence among children with epilepsy in western China: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate treatment access barriers and medication adherence among children with epilepsy and explore the influencing factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study consecutively sampled children with epilepsy from pediatric neurology clinics at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from October 2022 to April 2023. The scale used to assess treatment access barriers was self-designed and medication adherence was assessed with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Multivariate linear or logistic regression analyses were used to determine influencing factors.

RESULTS

This study included 1,847 children with epilepsy. The majority of caregivers of participating children had treatment access barriers, especially for making appointments, obtaining diagnosis and examination results, and response from the care team (scores > 3). Younger age of children, difficulty paying medical expenses, comorbidities, higher frequency of seizures in the past month, and attitude toward seizures were associated with high treatment access barriers scores. Poor medication adherence was observed in 38 % (702/1,847) of the sample. Age, being an only child, place of residence, annual medical expense, being newly diagnosed, and comorbidities were associated with medication adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children with epilepsy, there is high demand for disease treatment but medication adherence is relatively low, and there are a range of influencing factors. We suggest medical personnel strengthen health education and regular follow-ups to improve medication adherence and meet treatment needs in this population.

Health-related quality of life and medication adherence of people living with epilepsy in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this study was to determine adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PWE. Secondary aims were to assess association between adherence and HRQoL and determine predictors of HRQoL in PWE in Pakistan.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among PWE receiving treatment from two tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan. The HRQoL and adherence were assessed with Urdu versions of Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31), and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Relationship between HRQoL and adherence was assessed by Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. Forced entry multiple linear models were used to determine relationship of independent variables with HRQoL.

RESULTS

219 PWE with a mean (±standard deviation) age, 34.18 (± 13.710) years, participated in this study. The overall weighted mean HRQoL score was (51.60 ± 17.10), and mean score for adherence was 6.17 (± 2.31). There was significant association between adherence and HRQoL in PWE (Pearson's correlation = 0.820-0.930; p ≤ .0001). Multiple linear regression found adherence (B = 16.8; p ≤ .0001), male gender (B = 10.0; p = .001), employment status (employed: B = 7.50; p = .030), level of education (Tertiary: B = 0.910; p = .010), duration of epilepsy (>10 years: B = -0.700; p ≤ .0001), and age (≥46 years: B = -0.680; p ≤ .0001), and ASM therapy (polypharmacy: B = 0.430; p = .010) as independent predictors of HRQoL in PWE from Pakistan.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest PWE from our center have suboptimal adherence which affects HRQoL. Independent factors such as male gender, employment status and duration of epilepsy are predictors of HRQoL.

Predictors of objective treatment adherence in adolescents with epilepsy: The important role of motivation

OBJECTIVE

Adolescents with epilepsy are at heightened risk for suboptimal anti-seizure medication (ASM) adherence; however, there is a paucity of adherence interventions for this age group. The current study aimed to identify a comprehensive and novel set of predictors of objective, electronically-monitored ASM adherence in adolescents with epilepsy.

METHODS

Participants included 104 adolescents (13-17 years old; M = 15.36 ± 1.40), diagnosed with epilepsy and their caregivers. Cross-sectional data were collected from adolescents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and medical chart reviews, including demographics (i.e., age, race/ethnicity, sex, insurance status), the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., participation before versus during), seizure characteristics (i.e., presence and severity), ASM side effects (Pediatric Epilepsy Side Effects Questionnaire), adherence motivation (1-item 6-point Likert scale item), and adherence barriers (Pediatric Epilepsy Medication Self-Management Questionnaire). Electronically-monitored adherence data was collected via the AdhereTechTM pill bottle or the Vaica SimpleMedTM pillbox over 30 days.

RESULTS

Adolescents demonstrated suboptimal adherence at 78 ± 31.6%, despite high ASM adherence motivation (M = 4.43 ± .94) and minimal adherence barriers (M = 35.64 ± 3.78). Hierarchical multiple regression, which included non-modifiable sociodemographic and medical variables (Block 1) and behaviorally modifiable psychosocial variables (Block 2) was significant, F(12,87) = 3.69, p < .001. Specifically, having private insurance (versus Medicaid or public insurance; t = -2.11, p = .038) and higher adherence motivation (t = 2.91, p = .005) predicted higher objective ASM adherence.

CONCLUSION

Routine assessment of adherence predictors is vital for the promotion of adherence among adolescents with epilepsy. Adolescent adherence motivation may be an important element of multi-component interventions focused on improving ASM adherence in adolescents with epilepsy.

Pattern of anti-epileptic medications nonadherence and associated factors at ambulatory clinic of Jimma Medical Center, Southwestern Ethiopia: A prospective observational study

Objective:

This study is designed to assess the pattern of nonadherence, and associated factors among ambulatory patients with epilepsy at Jimma Medical Center, Southwestern Ethiopia, from November 2020 to April 2021.

Methods:

A hospital-based prospective observational study was employed. A consecutive sampling method was used to recruit study participants. Nonadherence was assessed by the Hill–Bone compliance to the high blood pressure therapy scale. A threshold of 18 scores was used to classify adherence status. Epi-Data manager version 4.6 was used for data entry and all statistical analysis was performed by Statistical Package for Social Science 25.0. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore associated factors.

Results:

A survey included 334 patients with epilepsy. One hundred twenty-two (36.52%) of the study participants were found to be non-adherent. The factors associated with nonadherence were poor involvement of the patient in the therapeutic decision (adjusted odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–2.90; p = 0.034), per month income of lesser than1000 Ethiopian birr (adjusted odds ratio = 2.66; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–6.84; p = 0.042), recent seizure episodes (adjusted odds ratio = 1.97; 95% confidence interval: 1.20–3.23; p = 0.007), adverse drug reaction (AOR = 2.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.31–3.47; p = 0.002), and negative medication belief (adjusted odds ratio = 1.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.53–2.25; p = 0.043).

Conclusions:

In our setting, the magnitude of nonadherence was substantially high. Hence, providing regular health-related information about the disease and treatment, supplying free antiepileptic drugs, routine assessment of adverse drug reactions, and a multidisciplinary approach involving patients may improve adherence.

Adherence to levetiracetam for management of epilepsy: Assessment with electronic monitors

INTRODUCTION

Anti-seizure medications are used to manage epilepsy and require long-term adherence to maintain therapeutic drug levels. We assessed adherence to levetiracetam and the use of a digital intervention to improve adherence in patients with epilepsy.

METHODS

30 participants with epilepsy were randomized 1:1 either to a digital email adherence intervention or control group. All patients were provided levetiracetam equipped with electronic monitoring caps to assess patient adherence to medication. Patients were followed for 6 months, with return visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

RESULTS

Subjects randomized to the control arm (n = 15) took 66% of the prescribed doses compared to the intervention group, who took 65% of prescribed doses (n = 15). Nine participants did not complete the study. Of the twenty-one participants that completed the study, the overall rate of adherence was 72% of prescribed doses taken. Two subjects in the control group and three subjects in the intervention group were adherent every month of the study-taking at least 80% of prescribed doses. Those randomized to the control group took the correct number of doses 44% of days in the study, and those in the intervention group took the correct number of doses 37% of days.

DISCUSSION

Poor adherence to levetiracetam is common. An internet-based email survey intervention did not improve adherence to levetiracetam in epilepsy patients. Further advances in adherence are needed to help patients receive the maximum benefit of their medical treatments.

Medication Adherence and Coping with Disease in Patients from a Neurological Clinic: An Observational Study

PURPOSE

Medication non-adherence is a huge concern for the medical community. For chronic, especially neurological diseases, taking medication is a central pillar of treatment. To improve adherence to these oftentimes complex medication regimens, the construct needs to be understood in more depth. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between adherence with sociodemographics, clinical variables, and coping in neurological patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The sample consisted of 545 patients from a German neurological clinic. Adherence was assessed with the Stendal Adherence to Medication Score (SAMS). Patients were grouped as completely adherent (SAMS = 0), non-adherent (upper 25% of the sample), and moderately adherent. Associations with coping were assessed using the Essen Coping Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Medication adherence was low compared to other non-neurological patient samples. Differences between adherence groups were found regarding gender and facets of coping, namely "trivialisation, wishful thinking and defence" and "finding of inner stability".

CONCLUSION

Interventions to improve medication adherence should focus on facets of coping with disease, increasing acceptance of disease, willpower, and confidence in treatment.

Nonadherence to Antiepileptic Medications and Its Determinants among Epileptic Patients at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia, 2019: An Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Nonadherence to antiepileptic medication is the extent of a patient's passive failure to follow the prescribed therapeutic regimen. The prevalence and impact of nonadherence to antiepileptic medication are high globally. The main purpose of this study was to assess nonadherence to antiepileptic medications and its associated factors among epileptic patients at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 epileptic patients at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, who were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by face to face interviews using a structured pretested questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI Info version 7 and then exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. The data were described by descriptive statistics. Binary logistic regression analysis was used as a model, and variables with a p value of less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant with nonadherence to antiepileptic medications.

Results

A total of 356 epileptic patients participated in the study yielding a response rate of 97.5%. The overall prevalence of nonadherence to antiepileptic medications among epileptic patients attending at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital was 38.5% (95% CI: 33.1–43.8). Divorced and/or widowed marital status (AOR: 3.38 (95% CI: 1.54, 7.44)), treatment duration of 3–5 years (AOR = 3.58 (95% CI: 1.38, 9.29)), treatment duration of 5 and above years (AOR: 3.49 (95% CI: 1.53, 7.95)), comorbidity (AOR: 2.42 (95% CI: 1.08, 5.43)), side effects of antiepileptic medications (AOR: 3.36 (95% CI: 1.67, 6.74)), absence of health information (AOR: 1.98 (95% CI: 1.11, 3.52)), epilepsy-related stigma (AOR: 2.81 (95% CI: 1.57, 5.02)), and negative attitude towards antiepileptic medications (AOR: 2.46 (95% CI: 1.36, 4.45)) were significantly associated with nonadherence to antiepileptic medications.

Conclusions

Prevalence of nonadherence to antiepileptic medications among epileptic patients at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital was found to be high. Hence, giving health information about epilepsy and its management will help to reduce antiepileptic medications' nonadherence.

Home quarantine compliance is low in children with fever during COVID-19 epidemic

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in China at the end of 2019. The disease is highly infectious. In order to prevent and control the epidemic situation, the state has issued a series of measures to guide the prevention and control of the epidemic. At the same time, it also introduced the measure of home isolation for children with fever. However, due to the nature of children, the implementation of the home isolation turned out to be quite difficult, and questions regarding the home isolation were brought out by parents when seeing doctors. For this reason, we decided to conduct this study.

AIM

To study factors that influence home quarantine compliance in children with fever during the COVID-19 epidemic.

METHODS

A total of 495 paediatric patients with respiratory tract infection and fever were selected from the general fever clinic at Xiamen Children's Hospital from February 6-27, 2020. On day 8 after the hospital visit, follow-up was conducted by telephone to evaluate the compliance of home quarantine.

RESULTS

Among the ten quarantine measures, the proportion of families adhering to keeping 1.5 m distance, proper hand hygiene, wearing masks at home, and proper cough etiquette was very low (< 30% for each measure). Our analysis showed that compliance was related to gender and age of children, gender and age of primary caregiver, number of children in the family, and intensity of information on quarantine measures. We observed that compliance increased with the age of children. Compared with children whose caregivers were young adults, children with elderly caregivers were 2.461 times more likely to show poor compliance. Furthermore, children who received intensive information on quarantine measures had significantly better compliance.

CONCLUSION

Compliance of children with fever to quarantine measures at home is low during the COVID-19 epidemic. Strengthening education on the quarantine measures is critical to improve compliance, in particular in young children with elderly caregivers.

Efficacy and safety of adjunctive perampanel in adolescent patients with epilepsy: Post hoc analysis of six randomized studies

OBJECTIVE

This post hoc analysis of six randomized, double-blind, Phase II and III studies evaluated efficacy and safety of adjunctive perampanel (2-12 mg/day) in adolescent patients (aged ≥12 to ≤17 years) with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures, with or without secondarily generalized (SG) seizures, or primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures.

METHODS

Adolescent patients from Studies 304 (NCT00699972), 305 (NCT00699582), 306 (NCT00700310), 335 (NCT01618695), 235 (NCT01161524), and 332 (NCT01393743) were included. Efficacy assessments (split by seizure type) included median percent change in seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline and seizure-freedom rates. Safety assessments (all seizure types combined) included monitoring of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

RESULTS

The Safety Analysis Set included 372 adolescent patients (placebo, n = 114; perampanel, n = 258); the Full Analysis Set included 346 patients with partial-onset seizures (placebo, n = 103; perampanel, n = 243), of whom 125 experienced SG seizures during baseline (placebo, n = 37; perampanel, n = 88), and 22 with PGTC seizures (placebo, n = 9; perampanel, n = 13). Compared with placebo, perampanel 8 and 12 mg/day conferred greater median percent reductions in seizure frequency per 28 days for partial-onset seizures (18.0% vs 35.9% and 53.8% [both P < 0.01]) and SG seizures (24.4% vs 72.8% [P < 0.001] and 57.8% [P < 0.01]), and greater seizure-freedom rates (partial-onset: 7.8% vs 13.2% and 11.8% [not statistically significant]; SG: 8.1% vs 40.7% [P < 0.001] and 41.7% [P < 0.01]). For PGTC seizures, and compared with placebo, perampanel 8 mg/day was also associated with greater median percent reductions in seizure frequency per 28 days (29.8% vs 88.0%) and greater seizure-freedom rates (11.1% vs 23.1%). Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 76 (66.7%) placebo- and 192 (74.4%) perampanel-treated patients (most common: dizziness, somnolence, headache, and nasopharyngitis). Serious TEAEs occurred in 5 (4.4%) placebo- and 11 (4.3%) perampanel-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive perampanel was efficacious and generally well tolerated in adolescent patients with partial-onset, SG, or PGTC seizures and represents a potentially beneficial treatment option for adolescents with uncontrolled epilepsy.

Self-reported attitudes about medication in Lebanese people with epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a common worldwide neurological disorder. For people with epilepsy (PWE), adherence and attitudes towards medication is a crucial step to improve efficacy of prescribed treatment and to prevent seizures.

OBJECTIVES

The first aim of this study was to evaluate attitudes towards antiepileptic medications in Lebanese population. Secondary aims were to assess factors affecting attitudes and associated with epilepsy control.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient neurology clinics located in Beirut-Lebanon. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Self-report of medication taking behaviors were assessed using the abbreviated (4 items) Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4). Epilepsy was considered as controlled if the patient had no seizures in the last 6 months.

RESULTS

Among 250 PWE recruited in this study, male-to-female ratio was 0.87 (116/134), and 50.8% were married. Mean duration of epilepsy was 13.7 ± 12.8 years. Valproate was the most common antiepileptic drug (AED) used followed by levetiracetam and carbamazepine. About 60.8% of the population presented partial epilepsy. Uncontrolled epilepsy was present in more than half of participants (55.2%), with only 32.4% had positive attitudes to their medication. Positive attitudes towards antiepileptic increased in people who found that their treatment was efficacious (odds ratio (OR) = 4.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-20.0; p = 0.03), who had controlled epilepsy (OR = 3.4; 95%CI 1.6-7.1; p = 0.001), and who were diagnosed as PWE between the age of 12-20 years (OR = 3.1; 95%CI 1.1-8.4; p = 0.03). Oppositely, these attitudes decreased in participants who felt their treatment as an economic burden (OR = 0.2; 95%CI 0.1-0.4; p ≪ 0.001), and in people with depression (OR = 0.4; 95%CI 0.2-0.9; p = 0.04). Controlled epilepsy was higher in people who contacted a neurologist if seizure occurred, in people with positive attitudes, and after a long duration of disease, but it decreased if patient did not follow neurologist's instructions in fasting period.

CONCLUSIONS

Lebanese PWE were less likely to have positive attitudes towards medication, which may lead to poor epilepsy control. Depression and economic burden were the major factors that decreased these attitudes. Identifying factors affecting attitudes to medication and leading to controlled epilepsy may help clinicians to elaborate educational programs to optimize medication adherence.

Development of a Smartphone Program to Support Adherence to Oral Chemotherapy in People with Cancer

PURPOSE

To describe the theoretical, evidence-based and consumer-informed development of a smartphone self-management program aiming to support adherence to oral chemotherapy in adolescents and adults diagnosed with cancer.

METHODS

The design of the program followed two frameworks for the development and evaluation of mHealth interventions and was conducted in three steps: 1) conceptualization, which involved an extensive literature review and a scoping review that led to the identification of the behavioral change strategies in the program; 2) definition of features and structure, based on a formative study with end-users to explore their preferences about the structure and elements of the program; and 3) selection of program delivery technology, whereby available technology platforms were examined and the most suitable tool to deliver the program was selected.

RESULTS

Three main reasons for oral chemotherapy non-adherence were identified: forgetfulness, side-effects and poor knowledge about oral chemotherapy. Key behavior change strategies were also identified, namely, medication intake reminders and information about oral chemotherapy and managing side-effects. Based upon end-user feedback the method of delivery of these behavioral strategies that was deemed most appropriate was conventional text messages. The reminders were standard, short, text-only messages sent when each oral chemotherapy dose was due, one way (no need to reply) and addressed the end-users using their first name. Delivery of information about oral chemotherapy and side-effects was tailored to each individual's preferred frequency.

CONCLUSION

The careful design process described in this paper may serve to inform the development of future mobile phone-based medication adherence-enhancing interventions for people with cancer. A trial to explore end-users acceptability of and satisfaction with the intervention is currently underway.Trial Registration: ACTRN12618001987257p.

The prevalence rates of medication adherence and factors influencing adherence to antiepileptic drugs in children with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta analysis

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review to assess antiepileptic drug (AED) adherence rates, and to identify the characteristics associated with nonadherence in children.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 2017. Observational studies addressing medication adherence or examining factors influencing AED adherence were included.

RESULTS

We included 22 studies, involving 3955 participants. The general quality of included studies were rated as high quality. Adherence rates were reported in 18 studies, varying between 22.1% and 96.5%. Meta analysis of 13 studies (n = 2051) revealed a pooled adherence rate assessed by objective methods of 58% (95% CI [0.46, 0.74]). Meta analysis of nine studies (n = 1217) revealed a pooled adherence rate assessed by subjective Methods of 73%, (95% CI [0.63, 0.85]). Family support, smaller family size, stable parental marriage status, support from healthcare providers and higher family socioeconomic status were associated with better medication adherence. However, contradictory results were found regarding the effects of age, the frequency of seizure, type of seizures, type of medication and the number of administered drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to AEDs is challenging for pediatric patients with epilepsy. Few factors which influence adherence can be drawn because of differing variables and results. Future prospective research should be designed with longer study periods and larger samples in naturalistic settings.

Adherence barriers in pediatric epilepsy: From toddlers to young adults

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to examine the continuity of adherence barriers across stages of development in pediatric epilepsy and to assess the differential influence of barriers on several important clinical outcomes from early childhood to young adulthood, including adherence, seizures, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHOD

A developmentally representative sample of youth 2-25years with epilepsy was obtained by combining data from five different studies. A total of 269 caregivers and 77 adolescents and young adults were included in this investigation. Participants completed measures of adherence barriers and HRQOL. An electronic monitoring system was used to assess adherence to the primary antiepileptic drug over 30days. The prevalence of individual barriers across development and their relative importance as predictors of clinical outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

Adherence barriers are characterized by both continuity and discontinuity from early childhood to early adulthood. Barriers such as disliking the taste of medication, parent forgetfulness, and refusal to take medications were significantly more salient during certain developmental periods. No significant differences across age groups were found for other barriers, including difficulty getting to the pharmacy and embarrassment. Certain adherence barriers, such as running out of medications, were more important to particular clinical outcomes despite being low prevalence. Adherence barriers differentially predicted adherence, seizure control, and HRQOL based on developmental stage.

CONCLUSION

Routine assessment of adherence barriers is imperative from toddlerhood to young adulthood given that the prevalence of barriers and their relative influence on important health outcomes vary by developmental stage. Adherence intervention efforts should be targeted, developmentally tailored, and focused on those barriers that are most predictive of poor outcomes for a given developmental period.

Adherence to antiepileptic drugs in adolescents with epilepsy

INTRODUCTION

The aims of the current study were to identify patterns and predictors of adherence in adolescents with epilepsy over one year, as well as its impact on seizures and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

Forty-eight adolescents with epilepsy (M_age=14.8+1.5, 69% female, 73% White: NonHispanic) and their caregivers completed questionnaires assessing demographics, epilepsy knowledge, side effects, adherence barriers, family functioning, and HRQOL at quarterly clinic visits over one year. Adherence was monitored electronically via MEMS TrackCaps. Seizures were determined via chart review.

RESULTS

Baseline adherence was 86.05% and significantly decreased over 12months (b=-2.07, p<0.001). Higher adherence was predicted by higher socioeconomic status (SES) (b=0.04, p<0.05), more side effects (b=0.06, p<0.01), fewer caregiver-reported adherence barriers (b=0.18, p<0.05), and lower family conflict (b=-0.19, p<0.05). Change in adherence over 12months did not significantly predict HRQOL or seizures.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first longitudinal study of objective adherence in adolescents with epilepsy. Given adolescence is a period of vulnerability during development, including declining adherence, caregivers are encouraged to continue collaborating with their adolescents around epilepsy management. Adherence barriers represent an ideal target for intervention and can be implemented in the clinic by frontline providers. Multidisciplinary care can address low SES (social work, financial advocates) and family conflict (psychologists, therapists) in patients with the ultimate goal of optimizing adherence and health outcomes.

Medication adherence among adolescent solid-organ transplant recipients: A survey of healthcare providers

The aim of this study was to assess healthcare provider perspectives on barriers to medication adherence and to discover recommendations for interventions among providers of pediatric solid-organ transplant patients. An anonymous online survey was administered to a multidisciplinary pool of pediatric transplant providers from February 2015 to March 2016. It consisted of 15 questions regarding transplant providers' attitudes, clinical practice, and beliefs pertaining to medication adherence among teenage solid-organ transplant recipients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Responses to open-ended questions were coded and categorized into themes. One hundred ten surveys were completed by providers specializing in pediatric heart, kidney, liver, lung, and/or intestinal transplantation. Commonly cited reasons for poor adherence were forgetting/poor planning (94%), the desire to be normal (86%), lack of support (86%), and poor parental monitoring (79%). Suggestions to improve adherence included increasing peer and family support, providing education, and incorporating technology into adherence regimens. Barriers to adherence in transplant patients are recognized by providers and are both similar to and disparate from patient and family identified barriers published in the literature. Providers recognize the importance of education, social support, and technologically driven interventions on improving outcomes in the transplant population.

Smoking prevalence and seizure control in Chinese males with epilepsy

Smoking has a negative effect on most diseases, yet it is under-investigated in people with epilepsy; thus its role is not clear in the general population with epilepsy. We performed a retrospective pilot study on males with epilepsy to determine the smoking rate and its relationship with seizure control using univariate analysis to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and also used a multi-variate logistic regression model. The smoking rate in our sample of 278 individuals was 25.5%, which is lower than the general Chinese population smoking rate among males of 52.1%. We used two classifications: the first classified epilepsy as generalized, or by presumed topographic origin (temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital). The second classified the dominant seizure type of an individual as generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTCS), myoclonic seizure (MS), complex partial seizure (CPS), simple partial seizure (SPS), and secondary GTCS (sGTCS). The univariable analysis of satisfactory seizure control profile and smoking rate in both classifications showed a trend towards a beneficial effect of smoking although most were not statistically significant. Considering medication is an important confounding factor that would largely influence seizure control, we also conducted multi-variable analysis for both classifications with drug numbers and dosage. The result of our model also suggested that smoking is a protective factor. Our findings seem to suggest that smoking could have a potential role in seizure control although confounders need exploration particularly in view of the potential long term health effects. Replication in a much larger sample is needed as well as case control studies to elucidate this issue.

Antiepileptic Drug Nonadherence and Its Predictors among People with Epilepsy

Introduction. Antiepileptic drugs are effective in the treatment of epilepsy to the extent that about 70% of people with epilepsy can be seizure-free, but poor adherence to medication is major problem to sustained remission and functional restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of antiepileptic drug nonadherence. Methods. Cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 individuals who were selected by systematic random sampling method. Antiepileptic drug nonadherence was measured by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and logistic regression was used to look for significant associations. Result. The prevalence of AEDs nonadherence was 37.8%. Being on treatment for 6 years and above [AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.88, 6.40], payment for AEDs [AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.73, 4.42], lack of health information [AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.41,3.43], poor social support [AOR = 1.88, 95%, CI: 1.01, 3.50], perceived stigma [AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.56], and experience side effect [AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.72] were significantly associated with antiepileptic drug nonadherence. Conclusion. More than one-third of people with epilepsy were not compliant with their AEDs. Giving health information about epilepsy and its management and consequent reduction in stigma will help for medication adherence.

Preliminary feasibility and efficacy of text messaging and application-based adherence interventions in adolescents with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Few interventions have been developed to improve treatment adherence in adolescents with epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of text messaging and application-based interventions to improve adolescent antiepileptic drug adherence. It was hypothesized that these interventions would improve adherence and would be feasible and acceptable to adolescents and their caregivers.

METHODS

Twenty-five adolescents (mean age=15.7; 52% males) and caregivers were randomized to one of five interventions for one month: 1) adolescent text only, 2) adolescent and caregiver text plus communication, 3) adolescent application only, 4) adolescent and caregiver application plus communication, and 5) epilepsy application for adolescents only. Questionnaires were completed at baseline, posttreatment, and 1-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was electronically monitored adherence.

RESULTS

Results indicated high levels of baseline adherence that contributed to minimal adherence improvements. Adolescents and caregivers reported that text messaging and application-based interventions were feasible and acceptable.

SIGNIFICANCE

These data highlight that technology-focused adherence interventions are feasible but should likely be targeted to those with demonstrated nonadherence in future clinical trials.

The impact of sleep loss on the facilitation of seizures: A prospective case-crossover study

PURPOSE

The relationship between sleep and seizures is intricate. The aim of this study was to assess whether sleep loss is an independent seizure precipitant in a clinical setting.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational cross-over study, 179 consecutive hospital admissions for epileptic seizures were included. A semi-structured interview regarding several seizure precipitants was performed. The sleep pattern prior to the seizure, as well as alcohol, caffeine and drug use, were recorded. The interview was repeated by telephone covering the same weekday at a time when there had been no recent seizure. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a visual analogue scale for perceived stress were applied at admission. Student's t-test, Fisher exact test and ANOVA were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Complete data for analysis were retrieved in 144 patients. The sleep-time during the 24h prior to the seizure was lower (7.3h) compared to follow-up (8.3h; p<0.0005). Caffeine consumption and use of relevant non antiepileptic drugs (AED) were not different. HADS and stress scores at admission did not correlate with sleep-time difference. In ANOVA, controlled for alcohol consumption and AED use, the sleep-time difference remained significant (p=0.008). The interaction with alcohol intake was high, but the sleep-time difference remained highly significant also for the non- and low-consumption (≤2 units per day) subgroup (n=121, 7.50h vs 8.42h, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Epileptic seizures are often precipitated by a combination of various clinical factors, but sleep loss stands out as an independent seizure trigger.

Drug adherence of patients with epilepsy in Iran: the effects of the international economic sanctions

Drug adherence of patients with epilepsy was investigated to determine the reasons behind poor adherence. In this retrospective chart review study, all patients with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy were recruited at the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We routinely asked about the patient's drug adherence and reasons behind poor drug adherence in every office visit. We defined drug adherence adequate if the patient reported less than or equal to one missed dose per month. Patients' drug adherences were investigated during two time periods: March 2010-2011 (before intensification of the international economic sanctions against Iran), and September 2012-2013 (during intensified international economic sanctions). One hundred and ninety-nine patients were studied. Drug adherence was satisfactory in 139 patients (69.8 %) during the first time period. Drug adherence was satisfactory in 146 patients (73.4 %) during the second time period. The most common reasons for poor drug adherence was carelessness, followed by cost and lack of drug availability (1.5 % in the first time period and 4 % in the second time period; P = 0.07). About one-third of patients with epilepsy had poor drug adherence. To overcome the problem, it is important to find the reasons behind poor drug adherence in each patient and try to overcome the cause. Purely from a clinical and patient care perspective, it seems necessary that politicians should facilitate decisions that make the health and well-being of ordinary people more affordable and without hardship.

An evaluation of factors affecting adherence to antiepileptic drugs in patients with epilepsy: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Adherence to antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy is important for controlling seizures in patients with epilepsy (PWE). It is vital to identify the factors influencing adherence to AED therapy using validated tools. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern and extent of AED adherence among PWE and to identify the factors that influence adherence.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study involving PWE who had a confirmed diagnosis. Treatment adherence was assessed using the four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Univariate analysis with chi-square test was used to observe the association between different variables and AED adherence. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of adherence.

RESULTS

451 PWE (mean age 27.3 ± 8.1 years) were enrolled in the study; 251 (55.7%) were male and 198 (43.9%) were from the lower socioeconomic class. 326 (72.3%) patients had high adherence to AED therapy, while 125 (27.7%) had low adherence. AED adherence was significantly associated with socioeconomic status (p = 0.043) and type of epilepsy (p = 0.033). However, no significant difference was observed between adherence and age, gender, marital status, epilepsy duration, number and type of AEDs, and occurrence of adverse drug reactions. Patients with focal epilepsy and those from the middle/lower-middle socioeconomic classes were less likely to be nonadherent. The primary reason for nonadherence was forgetfulness.

CONCLUSION

This study found that a majority of PWE have optimal rates of AED adherence and that forgetfulness is the primary reason for nonadherence among PWE.

Behavioral predictors of medication adherence trajectories among youth with newly diagnosed epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify psychosocial predictors of two-year antiepileptic drug (AED) adherence trajectories among youth with newly diagnosed epilepsy, controlling for known demographic and medical factors.

METHOD

This study is part of a large, prospective, longitudinal observational study of AED adherence and medical outcomes in youth with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Parents completed questionnaires of psychosocial and family functioning at one month and one year following diagnosis. Chart review and questionnaires were used to collect medical variables and seizure outcomes. Previously established two-year AED adherence trajectories (Severe Early Nonadherence, Variable Nonadherence, Moderate Nonadherence, High Adherence) were used as the outcome variable.

RESULTS

Participants were 91 parents of youth with epilepsy (7.3±2.8years of age; 60% male) and their families. Early (one month following diagnosis) predictors of two-year adherence trajectories included socioeconomic status, epilepsy knowledge, family problem-solving, and family communication. Significant predictors one year following diagnosis included socioeconomic status, parent fears and concerns, and parent life stress.

CONCLUSION

There are modifiable parent and family variables that predict two-year adherence trajectories above and beyond known medical (e.g., seizures, side effects) factors. Psychosocial interventions delivered at key points during the course of epilepsy treatment could have a positive impact on adherence outcomes.

Adherence to medication among outpatient adolescents with epilepsy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The promotion of medication adherence is considered as an integral component of pharmaceutical care practice and patient healthcare. An approach which focuses on the choice and dose of antiepileptic drug will have limited success without medication adherence. This study sought to assess medication adherence for improvement among adolescents who are suffering from epilepsy.

METHODS

A total of 116 patients affected with idiopathic epilepsy and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited in the current study. Adherence to the treatment was evaluated during patients' hospitalization in the Department of Neurology at Riyadh National Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between December 2011 and January 2014. The medication adherence has been assessed during semi-structured interviews with each patient and/or his parents using a multiple choice graded questionnaire.

RESULTS

From the selected group of patients, only 94 patients (81.0%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria within the study period. Thirty-six of respondents (38.3%) were non adherent to antiepileptic treatment. No statistical differences were found between males and females regarding their ages, age at diagnosis of epilepsy, mother age, epilepsy duration, family numbers, number of poor-adherents or seizure frequency. The most important factors that were significantly affecting patients' adherence to the prescribed medications were age of mother, family number, number of administered drugs, the stability of parents' marriage, family support, and seizure frequency as well as the regularity of the relationship between patients and their healthcare providers. Forgetfulness was the most common cause of non-adherence among this group of patients followed by inability to obtain medication and fear from side effects of drugs. Our results revealed also that the number of patients who felt to be stigmatized is significantly more in non-adherent group as compared to patients with a strong sense of normality (P < 0.05). A positive relationship between adherence and the necessity and benefit scales at which patients have a stronger belief in the necessity of medication for controlling illness was associated with good adherence.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of medication adherence among epileptic patients should be a routine part of the management process to improve the health care and quality of lives of those patients.

Life quality and health in adolescents and emerging adults with epilepsy during the years of transition: a scoping review

AIMS

The aims of this study were to (1) search the literature in order to identify the challenges facing adolescents and emerging adults with epilepsy; and (2) categorize these issues within both the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and an empirical model of quality of life (QOL) in childhood epilepsy.

METHOD

We systematically searched PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science for studies reporting on QOL and health identified in people with epilepsy aged 12 to 29 years. Studies were limited to those that were published in the last 20 years in English, presenting the patient perspective. Data were extracted and charted using a descriptive analytical method. Identified issues were classified according to the ICF and QOL frameworks.

RESULTS

Fifty four studies were identified. Another 62 studies with potentially useful information were included as an addendum. The studies highlight a range of psychosocial issues emphasizing peer acceptance, social isolation, and feelings of anxiety, fear, and sadness.

INTERPRETATION

The ICF and QOL constructs represent useful starting points in the analytical classification of the potential challenges faced by adolescents with epilepsy. Progress is needed on fully classifying issues not included under these frameworks. We propose to expand these frameworks to include comorbidities, impending medical interventions, and concerns for future education, employment, marriage, dignity, and autonomy.

Self-reported barriers to medication adherence among chronically ill adolescents: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To investigate self-reported barriers to medication adherence among chronically ill adolescents, and to investigate whether barriers are unique to specific chronic diseases or more generic across conditions.

METHODS

A systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from January 2000 to May 2012 was conducted. Articles were included if they examined barriers to medication intake among chronically ill adolescents aged 13-19 years. Articles were excluded if adolescent's views on barriers to adherence were not separated from younger children's or caregiver's views. Data was analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach.

RESULTS

Of 3,655 records 28 articles with both quantitative, qualitative, and q-methodology study designs were included in the review. The synthesis led to the following key themes: Relations, adolescent development, health and illness, forgetfulness, organization, medicine complexity, and financial costs. Most reported barriers to adherence were not unique to specific diseases.

CONCLUSION

Some barriers seem to be specific to adolescence; for example, relations to parents and peers and adolescent development. Knowledge and assessment of barriers to medication adherence is important for both policy-makers and clinicians in planning interventions and communicating with adolescents about their treatment.

Adherence to antiepileptic drugs among children attending a tertiary health unit in a low resource setting

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy is one of the neglected and highly stigmatised diseases, yet it is very common affecting about 70 million people worldwide. In Uganda, the estimated prevalence of epilepsy is 13% with about 156 new cases per 100,000 people per year. Adherence to antiepileptic drugs is crucial in achieving seizure control yet in Uganda; there is lack of information on adherence to antiepileptic drugs and the factors that affect this among children. This study was therefore designed to determine the level of adherence to antiepileptic drugs and the factors that are associated with non adherence.

METHODS

In a cross sectional study, 122 children who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. Assessment of adherence to antiepileptic drugs was done by self report and assay of serum drug levels of the antiepileptic drugs. Focus group discussions were held to further evaluate the factors that affect adherence.

RESULTS

Age range was 6 months - 16 years, male to female ratio 1.3:1 and majority had generalised seizures 76 (62.3%). Adherence to antiepileptic drugs by self report was 79.5% and 22.1% by drug levels. Majority of the children in both adherent and non adherent groups by self report had inadequate drug doses (95/122). Children were found to be more non-adherent if the caregiver had an occupation (p-value 0.030, 95%CI 1.18-28.78).

CONCLUSION

Majority of children had good adherence levels when estimated by self report. The caregiver having an occupation was found to increase the likelihood of non adherence in a child.

Treatment adherence among adolescents with epilepsy: what really matters?

Treatment adherence is often suboptimal among adolescents with epilepsy. However, knowledge is lacking regarding factors that affect adherence. Empirical studies and theories of human development suggest that self-management skills, self-efficacy, and sense of control are related to adherence. Eighty-eight adolescents with epilepsy, and their parents, completed standardized measures assessing epilepsy knowledge and expectations, treatment self-management, sense of control, and self-efficacy. Better self-reported parent adherence was correlated with greater epilepsy knowledge/expectations (p<0.001) and more medications (p = 0.042). Better self-reported adolescent adherence was correlated with fewer siblings (p = 0.003) and higher adolescent epilepsy knowledge/expectations (p<0.001). Greater adolescent epilepsy knowledge/expectations correlated with parent self-reported adherence (p<0.001), Powerful others locus of control (p = 0.008), and adolescent/parent discordance regarding epilepsy knowledge/expectations (p<0.001). Interventions that enhance adolescent's knowledge of epilepsy and their treatment plan, while ensuring that teens and parents are in agreement with regard to epilepsy treatment, might contribute to better adherence.

White coat adherence over the first year of therapy in pediatric epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

To examine white coat adherence over time in children with epilepsy.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a longitudinal prospective study to examine medication adherence prior to and following consecutive clinic visits over a 13-month period in 120 children with newly diagnosed epilepsy (M(age) = 7.2 ± 2.9 years; 38% female) and their caregivers. Electronic monitors were used to assess adherence and ordinal logistic regression models were employed.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated white coat adherence, with adherence increasing during the 3 days preceding clinic visits. Data also revealed a significant interaction, whereby adherence increased following initial clinic visits, but decreased following the last clinic visit.

CONCLUSIONS

White coat adherence occurs for children with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Increased awareness of white coat adherence has important implications for clinical decision-making and should be examined in other pediatric populations. Increased monitoring of medication patterns can help clinicians avoid unnecessary changes to the treatment regimen. Interventions targeting improved communication around adherence behaviors are necessary to maximize therapy benefits.

Clinical characteristics and use of antiepileptic drugs among adolescents with uncomplicated epilepsy at a referral center in Novi Sad, Serbia

The study aimed to investigate the type and etiology of epileptic seizures and the use of antiepileptic drugs for the treatment of various forms of epileptic seizures among adolescents with active but uncomplicated epilepsy at a tertiary referral center in Novi Sad, Serbia. The study design was cross sectional. Data were obtained from patients and medical records. A total of 103 adolescents (39 males and 64 females) with active but uncomplicated epilepsy were included. Patients with primary generalized seizures had significantly better control of epilepsy than those with partial seizures with or without secondary generalization. A total of 80 (77.7%) adolescents had no known underlying etiology based on initial diagnosis and evaluation. All adolescents were classified into known idiopathic syndromes (54.4%), non-classifiable cryptogenic etiology (23.3%), and secondary epilepsy attributed to MRI-identified lesions (22.3%). Eighty-eight percent of adolescents were taking monotherapy and 64.8% of these were taking valproate. New antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), topiramate and lamotrigine, the only drugs available free of charge at the Serbian market, were used in 19.4% of patients. A total of 57.3% adolescents were seizure-free, 24.2% had occasional seizures, and 18.5% had seizures despite AED treatment.

Patterns of nonadherence to antiepileptic drug therapy in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy

CONTEXT

Because of epilepsy's common occurrence, the narrow therapeutic and safety margins of antiepileptic medications, and the recognized complications of medication nonadherence in adults with epilepsy, identifying the rates, patterns, and predictors of nonadherence in children with epilepsy is imperative. The onset and evolution of antiepileptic drug nonadherence in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and characterize trajectories of adherence in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy over the first 6 months of therapy and to determine sociodemographic and epilepsy-specific predictors of adherence trajectories.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

Prospective, longitudinal observational study of antiepileptic drug adherence in a consecutive cohort of 124 children (2-12 years old) with newly diagnosed epilepsy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Patients were recruited from April 2006 through March 2009, and final data collection occurred in September 2009.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Objective adherence measured using electronic monitors.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight percent of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy demonstrated persistent nonadherence during the first 6 months of therapy. Group-based trajectory models identified 5 differential adherence patterns (Bayesian information criterion = -23611.8): severe early nonadherence (13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-20%), severe delayed nonadherence (7%; 95% CI, 3%-12%), moderate nonadherence (13%; 95% CI, 8%-20%), mild nonadherence (26%; 95% CI, 19%-34%), and near-perfect adherence (42%; 95% CI, 33%-50%). The adherence pattern of most patients was established by the first month of therapy. Socioeconomic status was the sole predictor of adherence trajectory group status (χ(4)(2) = 19.3 [n = 115]; P < .001; partial r(2) = 0.25), with lower socioeconomic status associated with higher nonadherence.

CONCLUSION

Five trajectory patterns were identified that captured the spectrum of nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs among children with newly diagnosed epilepsy; the patterns were significantly associated with socioeconomic status.

Strategies for improving adherence to antiepileptic drug treatment in patients with epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Poor adherence to antiepileptic medications is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. In this review we focus on interventions designed to assist patients with adherence to antiepileptic medications.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving adherence to antiepileptic medications in adults and children with epilepsy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Epilepsy Group's Specialised Register (24 June 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2) and electronic databases: MEDLINE (OVID) (1950 to June 2010); EMBASE (OVID) (1980 to 2010 Week 24); CINAHL (1982 to June 2010) and PsycINFO (22 June 2010), and the reference lists of relevant articles. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of adherence-enhancing interventions aimed at patients with clinical diagnosis of epilepsy (as defined in individual studies), of any age and of either gender, treated with antiepileptic drugs in a primary care, outpatient or other community setting.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We screened titles and abstracts for eligibility. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed each study according to the Cochrane criteria. The studies differed widely according to intervention and measures of adherence, therefore combining data was not appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

Six trials met our inclusion criteria: five targeted adult epileptic patients with a combined patient number of 222 and one targeted parents of children with epilepsy (n = 51). Follow-up time was generally short: from one to six months. Two main types of intervention were examined: educational and behavioural modification. Each study compared treatment with no intervention 'usual care'. None compared one intervention with another. Due to heterogeneity between studies in terms of interventions and the methods used to measure adherence, we did not pool the results. Education and counselling of patients with epilepsy have shown mixed success. Behavioural interventions such as the use of intensive reminders and 'implementation intention' interventions provided more positive effects on adherence.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Intensive reminders and 'implementation intention' interventions appear promising in enhancing adherence to antiepileptic mediations, however we need more reliable evidence on their efficacy from carefully designed randomised controlled trials before a firm conclusion can be reached.

Development and reliability of a correction factor for parent-reported adherence to pediatric antiepileptic drug therapy

PURPOSE

Study aims were (1) to document and examine associations between parent-report and electronic monitoring (EM) of pediatric antiepileptic drug (AED) adherence, (2) to determine the sensitivity and specificity of parent-reported adherence, and (3) to develop a correction factor for parent-reported adherence.

METHODS

Participants included 111 consecutive children with new-onset epilepsy (M(age) = 7.2 ± 2.0; 61.3% male; 75.8% Caucasian) and their primary caregivers. AED adherence was electronically monitored for 3 months prior to the 4-month clinic follow-up visit. Parent-reported adherence captured adherence 1-week prior to the clinic visit. For specificity/sensitivity analyses of parent-reported adherence, cut points of 50%, 80%, and 90% were used with electronically monitored adherence calculated 1-week prior to the clinic visit as the reference criterion.

KEY FINDINGS

Electronically monitored adherence (80.3%) was significantly lower than parent-reported adherence (96.5%; p < 0.0001) 1-week prior to the clinic visit, but both were significantly correlated (rho = 0.46, p < 0.001). The 90% parent-reported adherence cut point demonstrated the most sensitivity and specificity to electronically monitored adherence; however, specificity was still only 28%. A correction factor of 0.83 was identified as a reliable adjustment for parent-reported adherence when compared to electronically monitored adherence.

SIGNIFICANCE

Although EM is the gold standard of adherence measurement for pediatric epilepsy, it is often not clinically feasible to integrate it into routine clinical care. Therefore, use of a correction factor for interpreting parent-reported adherence holds promise as a reliable clinical tool. With reliable adherence measurement, clinicians can provide adherence interventions with the hope of optimizing health outcomes for children with epilepsy.

Medication adherence: a review of pharmacy education, research, practice and policy in Finland

AIMS

To describe pharmacy education, research, practice and policy related to medication adherence in Finland since the year 2000.

METHODS

The three universities that provide pharmacy education (Åbo Akademi, University of Eastern Finland, and University of Helsinki) completed a structured pro-forma questionnaire regarding education related to medication adherence. A MEDLINE and EMBASE literature search was performed to identify English language peer-reviewed research that reported medication compliance, adherence or persistence. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health was invited to nominate policies and documents related to medication adherence. A narrative review of medication counselling practices and professional service delivery through Finnish community pharmacies was undertaken.

RESULTS

Medication adherence was a theme integrated into obligatory and elective courses for bachelors and masters degree students. The literature search identified 33 English language peer-reviewed research articles reporting medication compliance, adherence or persistence published since the year 2000. Policy documents of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health recognise that poor medication adherence may lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes, and encourage patient participation in treatment decision making. Adherence practice in Finnish pharmacies has been strongly linked to the development of medication counselling services.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence research and education has focused on understanding and addressing the contextual factors that contribute to medication nonadherence. Adherence practice in community pharmacies has tended to focus on medication counselling and programs specific to particular disease states. Medication adherence is a topic that is integrated into courses for bachelor's and master's level pharmacy students in Finland.

Management of multiple sclerosis in adolescents - current treatment options and related adherence issues

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that is increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. This realization comes with additional concerns about existing therapeutic options and the impact of the disease on health-related outcomes of adolescents with MS. This five-part review provides an update on management strategies relevant to the pediatric MS population. The first section gives an overview on the epidemiology and natural history of early onset MS. The second section outlines currently available MS treatments, including medications during acute relapses and long-term immunomodulatory therapies. The third section highlights adherence issues pertaining to MS, including the challenges uniquely faced by adolescents. The fourth section provides a summary of research into quality of life and psychosocial consequences of pediatric onset MS. Attention is drawn to the grief experience of affected adolescents and the importance of peer relationships. Finally, the family resilience framework is presented as a conceptual model to facilitate optimal adaptation of adolescents with MS. Healthcare professionals can promote resilience and treatment adherence by ensuring that these individuals and their families are sufficiently informed about available MS treatments, providing instrumental support for managing potential medication side effects, and addressing age-appropriate developmental needs.

Correlation between Serum Level of Antiepileptic Drugs and their Side Effects

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to investigate the relation between serum levels of anticonvulsants and their side effects.

METHODS

This is a prospective cross sectional hospital based study conducted at Al Shaab Teaching Hospital. 120 patients were included in the study. The AEDs used were phenytoin, phenobarbitone, carbamazibine, and sodium valproate.

RESULTS

The results showed that the side effects among the studied group were not uncommon.

CONCLUSION

There was no relationship between serum levels of AEDs and their side effects.

Obesity is a common comorbidity for pediatric patients with untreated, newly diagnosed epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the frequency and factors associated with obesity in a cohort of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed untreated epilepsy.

METHODS

Body mass index (BMI) Z-scores and percentiles, both adjusted for age, were used as measures for obesity. Potential covariates associated with these BMI measures included age, etiology (cryptogenic, idiopathic, symptomatic), seizure type (generalized, partial, unclear), concomitant medications (stimulants, nonstimulants, none), and insurance status (privately insured, Medicaid). The primary analysis compared the epilepsy patients' BMI Z-scores to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for healthy children. The secondary analysis compared the epilepsy patients' BMI Z-scores to those of a regional healthy control group. Additional analyses incorporated the secondary outcome measure BMI percentiles indexed for age.

RESULTS

Children with newly diagnosed untreated epilepsy had higher BMI Z-scores compared to standard CDC growth charts (p < 0.0001) and the healthy control cohort (p = 0.0002) specifically at both of the 2 tail ends of the distribution. Overall, 38.6% of the epilepsy cohort were overweight or obese (BMI > or =85th percentile for age). Differences in age, etiology, and concomitant nonepilepsy medications were significantly associated with variability in age-adjusted BMI Z-score. Patients in adolescence had higher adjusted BMI Z-scores than younger patients. Patients with symptomatic epilepsy had lower adjusted BMI Z-scores than patients with idiopathic epilepsy. Patients on stimulant psychotropics exhibited lower adjusted BMI Z-scores than patients on no medication.

CONCLUSION

Obesity is a common comorbidity in children with newly diagnosed untreated epilepsy and correlates with increasing age, idiopathic etiology, and absence of concomitant medication.

Cognitive function, mood, behavioral aspects, and personality traits of adult males with idiopathic epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess cognitive function, mood, aggression, and personality traits among adult men with idiopathic epilepsy.

METHODS

Seventy-one male patients with idiopathic epilepsy were recruited from the outpatient epilepsy clinic of Assuit University hospitals. Another 58 subjects matched with respect to age, sex, and socioeconomic status formed the control group. For each participant, a complete medical history was obtained, and clinical examination, EEG, and psychometric evaluation were performed. For the psychometric evaluation, we used the Stanford-Binet test (fourth edition) to assess cognitive function, the Beck Depression Inventory to assess symptoms of depression, the Aggressive Behavior Scale, and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients with epilepsy reported highly significant impairment in all cognitive measures and higher scores on depressive symptoms, aggressive behavior, and most personality traits compared with controls. Early age at onset, prolonged duration of illness, increased frequency of seizures, and history of status epilepticus were significantly negatively correlated with some of the cognitive function subscales.

CONCLUSION

Epilepsy itself and epilepsy-related factors are associated with cognitive function deterioration, depression, aggression, and some abnormal personality traits.

Health risk behaviors in adolescents with chronic conditions

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the frequency of risk behaviors and to measure the extent of co-occurrence of these behaviors in chronically ill and healthy adolescents.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the 2002 Swiss Multicenter Adolescent Survey on Health database, a nationally representative survey of 7548 adolescents in postmandatory school aged 16 to 20 years. There were 760 subjects who reported a chronic illness and/or a disability. The comparison group consisted of 6493 subjects who answered negatively to both questions. We defined 8 risk behaviors: daily smoking, alcohol misuse, current cannabis use, current use of any other illegal drug, early sexual debut, eating disorder, violent acts, and antisocial acts. We analyzed each behavior and the sum of behaviors, controlling for age, gender, academic track, parents' education level, depression, and health status. Results are given as adjusted odds ratios using the comparison group as the reference category.

RESULTS

Youth with a chronic condition were more likely to smoke daily, to be current cannabis users, and to have performed violent or antisocial acts. Youth with a chronic condition were also more likely to report 3 or >or=4 risk behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that having a chronic condition carries additional risks for engaging in health risk behaviors and emphasize the importance of health risk screening and preventive counseling for young people in general and among those suffering from chronic conditions in particular.

[Compliance with antiepileptic drugs]

Inadequate adherence to a prescribed medication regimen, so-called noncompliance (NC), occurs in 30-50% of patients with epilepsy and is thought to be a major cause of insufficient seizure control. This article gives an overview on how NC can be diagnosed, its causes, which patient groups are at risk, and which interventions are suitable to improve or maintain compliance.

One-month adherence in children with new-onset epilepsy: white-coat compliance does not occur

OBJECTIVES

Adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy plays an important role in the effectiveness of pharmacologic treatment of epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to use an objective measure of adherence to (1) document patterns of adherence for the first month of therapy for children with new-onset epilepsy, (2) examine differences in adherence by demographic and epilepsy variables, and (3) determine whether treatment adherence improves for a short time before a clinic visit (eg, "white-coat compliance").

METHODS

Participants included 35 children with new-onset epilepsy (mean age: 7.2 years; 34% female; 66% white) and their caregivers. Children had a diagnosis of partial (60%), generalized (29%), or unclassified (11%) epilepsy. Adherence to treatment was electronically monitored with Medication Event Monitoring System TrackCap, starting with the first antiepileptic drug dose. Adherence was calculated across a 1-month period and for the 1, 3, and 5 days before and 3 days after the clinic appointment.

RESULTS

Adherence for the first month of treatment in children with new-onset epilepsy was 79.4%. One-month adherence was higher in children of married parents and those with higher socioeconomic status but did not correlate with child's gender, age, epilepsy type, prescribed medication, seizure frequency, or length of time since seizure onset. Adherence across the entire 1-month period was not different from adherence for the 1, 3, or 5 days before or 3 days after the clinic visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor adherence seen for children with new-onset epilepsy during the first month of antiepileptic drug therapy is a cause for concern. Several demographic variables influence adherence to treatment, whereas the proximity to a clinic visit does not. Additional studies are needed to document whether this trend continues longitudinally and determine the clinical impact of poor adherence.

Epilepsy in women: special considerations for adolescents

Adolescence is a time of many changes. It is a time of growing independence, physical and emotional change, accompanied by social insecurity. Girls tend to enter puberty ahead of their male peers, growing and changing physically. Our culture tells adolescents that they are still immature, but their bodies are saying otherwise. The adolescents are also becoming aware of themselves as individuals, separate from their parents, and are presented with the challenges of independent thinking and action. If, in the midst of all of these changes, an adolescent is given the diagnosis of a chronic disease such as epilepsy, there is an additional burden. Often the adolescent must go through a variety of emotions, including shame, denial, anger, and sadness. Our role as medical providers is to provide some perspective to the illness and help guide our adolescent patient through the tumultuous emotions of grieving and acceptance. We must provide a foundation of assistance and emotional support, as well as medical knowledge. With a firm but compassionate hand, we can help them cope with their disorder. In this chapter, Drs. Haut and Zupanc explore some of the unique considerations in adolescent women with epilepsy. The first part of the chapter deals with the epidemiologic diagnosis of epilepsy in adolescence, the effect of epilepsy on reproductive health, hormonal influences on epilepsy (including catamenial seizures), and the effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on hormones, contraception, and bone health. In the second part of the chapter, we deal with the very real psychosocial issues and comorbidities of epilepsy, including quality of life, school performance, depression, migraine headaches, social stigma, and lifestyle changes. In the final section, the authors suggest strategies for clinical patient management.

Managing patient adherence and quality of life in epilepsy

Patient adherence to medication continues to be a cause of concern within the medical profession. This review examines the various methods of quantifying the level of patient adherence, progress in predicting causes of non-adherence, and the implications for its management. Contributions from the medical, health belief, and psychosocial models are discussed in order to highlight how the concept of adherence has changed over time. The impact of epilepsy, seizures, and taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on both adherence and quality of life are also explored. The volume and quality of previous research conducted has enabled a number of predictive factors to be identified, from which various strategies have been developed. While this review concentrates on potential strategies in managing treatment adherence within epilepsy, findings can equally be applied to other chronic conditions.

Epilepsien im Jugendalter

Zusammenfassung: Der Beitrag stellt die Bedeutung chronischer Erkrankungen des Jugendalters im Hinblick auf die Interaktion mit allgemeinen normativen Entwicklungsaufgaben der Adoleszenz dar und spezifiziert dann die besonderen psychosozialen Charakteristika der Epilepsie als häufigste neurologische Erkrankung des Jugendalters. Die besondere Bedeutung der Compliance und Aspekte der Krankheitsbewältigung für Jugendliche mit Epilepsie werden im Hinblick auf wichtige entwicklungspsychologische Themen des Jugendalters diskutiert. Bedeutung und Ziele von Patientenschulung als zentraler Behandlungsbaustein bei chronischen Erkrankungen werden erläutert.